Ohio BWC offers up to $40,000 in grants to schools

The Ohio Bureau Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has launched a safety and security grant program for “Ohio public and private pre-kindergarten through 12th grade educational facilities” worth $4 million dollars. Eligible education institutions include county boards of developmental disabilities, public school districts (including charter schools), private schools (including licensed pre-k schools) and education service centers. The Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Ohio Homeland Security’s Center for P-20 Safety & Security, and stakeholders aided in the development of this program.

The program allows BWC to provide three-to-one matching grants to qualified school districts and educational facilities to increase school safety and security. For every one dollar qualified schools spend on improving school safety, they can receive three dollars from BWC. Qualified schools can receive up to $40,000. Schools may use the grant for:

• Incident response equipment, such as bags/backpacks stocked with trauma first aid supplies, two-way communication devices, software designed to directly interface with emergency responder radio systems, and school-wide panic alarm/panic button systems.
• Building/grounds/transportation security enhancements, such as interior and exterior security doors and mechanisms (e.g., panic bars, bulletproof glass, bullet resistant coating materials for existing glass), protective vehicle crash barriers at the front of entrances, modifications of building/facility entrances to restrict access, secured keycard systems, metal detectors (fixed or portable), security cameras and emergency (police dispatch) call poles.
• Safety interventions, such as flooring/floor coatings designed to reduce slip hazards, lightweight lunch tables that reduce lifting and handling hazards, motorized bleacher systems to reduce manual pushing and pulling forces, safe food fryers, food cutting/slicing equipment and floor cleaning machines.

To receive BWC’s School Safety and Security Grant, schools must meet the eligibility requirements and complete the grant application. Those interested in applying for the grant should ensure all of the following:

• They maintain active Ohio Workers' Compensation coverage.
• They do not have more than 40 days of cumulative lapses in workers' compensation coverage within the prior 12 months.
• They remain current with all payments due to the BWC, including the report of payroll for at least one full policy year.
• They have been in existence for at least two years.

For a complete list of the eligibility requirements and the School Safety and Security Grant application, visit the BWC’s announcement page.